Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Bayer Leverkusen are facing a fine balance between European and domestic commitments as they travel to the German capital for a showdown with Union Berlin.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Not televised / US – ESPN+
Union Berlin preview: Miserable 2026
We’re now firmly into 2026 and Union Berlin are still yet to taste victory. Since the winter break’s conclusion, Union have played seven games, drawing four and losing three including most recently against Hamburg. In a fun encounter at the Volksparkstadion, the visitors found themselves 2-1 down at half-time and conceding a third killed their chances and a late goal proved only a consolation.
As it stands, Union find themselves tenth-place in the table heading into this latest round of Bundesliga fixtures. But whilst they sit well clear of the bottom three, it’s also a long road to the European places and their season is in danger of petering out.
Bayer Leverkusen preview: League form good
Bayer Leverkusen have racked up ten points from the last 12 available to them, beating the likes of Werder Bremen, Eintracht Frankfurt and St. Pauli whilst drawing 1-1 away at Borussia Monchengladbach. Those results see them currently inside the top six and just three points away from the Champions League spots.
However, just three days separate this fixture from Leverkusen’s Champions League knockout phase play-off first-leg against Olympiacos in Athens. This could have an adverse effect on Kasper Hjulmand’s squad when taking into account the travel and turnaround involved with such a schedule.
Union Berlin team news: Four missing for home side
Union Berlin are missing Josip Juranovic at right-back so Trimmel's spot is assured and also out for the hosts are Leite, Rothe and Skov.
Predicted XI: (3-4-3): Ronnow; Doekhi, Querfeld, Nsoki; Trimmel, Khedira, Kemlein, Kohn; Burke, Ilic, Jeong
Unavailable: Juranovic (Injured), Leite (Injured), Rothe (Injured), Skov (Injured)
Questionable:
Bayer Leverkusen team news: Balancing act
The biggest question from a Bayer Leverkusen perspective is how much rotation we will see from Hjulmand with a big Champions League game coming up again in the week.
Predicted XI: (3-4-3): Blaswich; Andrich, Bade, Tapsoba; Arthur, Fernandez, Garcia, Grimaldo; Tillman, Schick, Poku
Unavailable: Ben Seghir (Injured), Flekken (Injured), Tella (Injured)
Questionable:
Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction
Union Berlin have a real opportunity to catch Bayer Leverkusen cold when you factor in how difficult it is to balance the Champions League and Bundesliga, not to mention that Union have had all week to prepare specifically for this game. It would be no surprise if the hosts come out of the traps very quickly and put Leverkusen under substantial pressure.
However, the away side have shown their steel as a unit more than once this campaign since Hjulmand took over with the whole squad contributing to their success. Patrik Schick is a proven goalcorer, whilst the defence is notably stronger. When you also consider Union’s terrible form and lack of confidence, a smart play may be to back Leverkusen, but via the safety of the draw no bet market.
Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen tip: Bayer Leverkusen draw no bet
